Hip-hop icon and devoted anime enthusiast RZA has curated a concise list of must-see anime that dives well beyond the mainstream choices typically discussed.
Celebrated for his long-standing love and passion for anime, RZA has even contributed to the genre by producing the soundtrack for the Afro Samurai series and film back in the late 2000s.
Given his rich involvement with anime, he recently revealed his essential picks during an interview with Complex, steering away from popular staples like Hunter x Hunter or Naruto.
According to him, classics like Ninja Scroll and Akira are non-negotiable if you truly want to pay homage to the art form. He emphasizes their cultural significance and points out hidden gems like 8 Man, suggesting that this early anime heavily influenced sci-fi creations like Robocop.
While discussing broader favorites such as Baki and One Punch Man, RZA narrowed down his definitive top anime list: Ninja Scroll, Akira, and Afro Samurai. Though he briefly mentioned Baki as a contender, he humorously rescinded his suggestion, not wanting it to become overly mainstream.
RZA’s recommendations come hot on the heels of fellow anime lover Megan Thee Stallion naming her own top Netflix-worthy picks. Megan, also known for her fandom, leaned into surprising selections including Castlevania, Record of Ragnarok, Sakamoto Days, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and tied for the top spot — My Hero Academia alongside Jujutsu Kaisen.
Fans eager for more RZA and his anime insights won’t want to miss his guest appearance at the 2026 Anime Awards hosted by Crunchyroll. He’ll join actor Winston Duke at the event scheduled in Tokyo’s Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa on May 23.
Not hip to anime? RZA’s got you on a watch list 📺 pic.twitter.com/AdmgjLVhv5
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) May 9, 2026
